"Sensible folks I think they were to be so glad to get away from Spain and into the United States," remarked Ned, with a pleased smile.
"Yes, I think they were," said Grandma Elsie, "for it was gaining liberty—freedom from most oppressive tyranny."
She had begun her talk to the two children alone, but now quite a group had gathered about them—Dr. Harold Travilla and Grace Raymond, Chester and Lucilla Dinsmore and Mrs. Evelyn Raymond.
"I am very desirous to see Porto Rico," said Harold. "It must be a garden spot—fertile and beautiful. As we draw near it I mean to be on the lookout for El Yunque."
"What's that, uncle?" asked Ned.
"The highest point of land on the island, nearly four thousand feet high. The meaning of the name is the anvil."
"Porto Rico being in the torrid zone, it must have a very hot climate. The weather must have been very oppressive for our troops—taking it in the height of summer," remarked Grace.
"Yes," said Grandma Elsie; "but the climate is more agreeable than that of Cuba or of many places farther north, because of the land breezes that prevail, coming from both north and south."
"It is a beautiful and delightful island," remarked Harold. "I have often thought I should, some day, pay it a visit."
"Are we likely to land there?" asked his mother.